Blog:Environmental impact slanted on supply chain

Luxury goods group Kering is taking an innovative approach to understanding – and changing – the environmental footprint of its business by putting a monetary value on the ecological impact racked up across its operations.

And the numbers make for uncomfortable reading. The first ever Environmental Profit & Loss (EP&L) report from the group behind brands such as Gucci, Saint Laurent and Stella McCartney reveals that 93% of its total environmental impact falls within the supply chain.

Kenya, Ethiopia and Uganda are all ramping up their efforts to put Africa on the apparel sourcing map with a range of policies designed to encourage mills, manufacturers and buyers to invest. But another country vying for a slice of the action is Tanzania, with ambitions to offer the best overall package in Africa.

But groups representing apparel and footwear manufacturers, brands, and retailers in the US and Africa are urging the quick renewal of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) – warning that delays in its passage are dragging on sourcing decisions.

And the Philippine government is being urged to carry out a "full and detailed" investigation into the circumstances surrounding a fire at a footwear factory in the country earlier this month, which killed 72 workers.

Tools for 3D design and virtual prototyping were among the highlights at the recent Texprocess trade fair. And while faster time-to-market, lower cost and increased productivity are among the benefits, there is also debate on how the technology is re-writing the rules.

The annual results from UK retailer Marks & Spencer have raised hopes among investors that the group is facing a brighter future. As well as M&S's first profit in four years, the clothing division significantly increased profit margins even though sales were below expectations. But is this enough to turn its fortunes around?

Some of just-style’s more eagle-eyed readers might have noticed a small change to the menu bar on the homepage: the addition of the word re:source. Yes it might be a small change – but it marks the co...

In the most recent third-quarter filings from US apparel and footwear brands and retailers, Sears Holdings remained optimistic despite widening its net losses, while Vince Holding blamed challenging c...

Swedish underwear business Björn Borg has acquired its Benelux distributor Baseline Group for EUR1.25m (US$1.3m) as it continues to accelerate the vertical integration of its operations and reposition...

As the Brexit roller-coaster continues to twist and turn, and the US presidential election campaign nears its unpredictable and possibly protectionist end, there's no doubt these events – and the perc...